Immortal Bite

Chap 5: The Painful Move

Things have been steady between Slade and I. Tilly dropped over the clothes I had stored at her place from our many sleepovers -I'm still not ready to face dad- and Slade has let me stay at his apartment with him for the last few weeks. Not that I mind. And if Slade's wicked grin every now-and-then is anything to go by, he doesn't mind either.

However, Slade thinks we're ready to take our relationship to the next level -he wants me to see his 'other side'. I'm very apprehensive about it, though I've tried not to think about it too much. I know it's important to him to show me, so I'm respecting his wishes, but I can't help the irrational fear that comes at the thought of him turning into some mindless beast that can tear me apart. Even if he keeps assuring me I'm safe...my mind says otherwise.

I still want to go with him. My heart says it's the right thing to do.

Plus, he promised ice-cream afterwards.

Currently, Slade is leading me carefully through the forest that borders the park near his apartment. It's very dark out since it's only a crescent moon tonight-Slade said he can still change forms even without the moon- but Slade's warmth and soothing voice evaporates my fear.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Piper? We can wait until-"

"Slade, this is important to you. If you want to show me who you are, then show me. I'm not afraid of you." I whispered gently to him as I pulled him to a gentle stop and placed my free hand against his cheek delicately. Slade leaned into my hand sighing softly in contentment and closed his eyes briefly.

"Thank you." He whispered lovingly to me when his eyes opened again and I smiled brightly at him just before he bent to kiss me. His kisses still make my toes curl.

Slade continued our hike through the forest more relaxed and comfortable than he was before. Apparently what I think about the situation was very, very important to him. Go figure.

I'm the human girl who's been dating a Lycan for just over three weeks and he's worried about what's going to happen.

When we finally arrived at the clearing Slade wanted to take me to, I gaped around us shamelessly. The clearing had a small river running through it and soft, green grass covering the meadow. There were different flowers bathing in what little light was available and swaying gently in the breeze. It's magical here.

"Slade, this is beautiful." I whispered honestly to him as I spun in a circle and laughed carefree. My heart was pounding in excitement and wonder. I never knew a place like this existed so close to home.

"I know something that's more so." Slade spoke deeply behind me and I paused in my spinning to face him. His eyes were focused completely on me. The usual blush that takes over my face came instantly and I shyly tucked some hair behind my ear. "It's time." Slade suddenly informed me in the silence and I looked up at him in concern as he lifted his face towards the sky.

His worry seemed to add to my anxiousness about the situation.

"It's okay, Slade." I whispered to him gently noticing his hesitation and his eyes flickered over to me before swallowing nervously. I took a comfortable seat on the ground and glanced up again patiently. Only this time my breath caught in my throat. Slade was shirtless.

My eyes trailed slowly over his toned self hungrily imagining all the things we could be doing right now. A low growl filled the air and I blinked in shock before forcing my eyes to meet his again.

"Don't look at me like that." Slade growled warningly at me and I pressed my lips together in embarrassment but couldn't stop myself. "We'll get side-tracked." Slade cautioned me in amusement and I grinned cheekily up at him settling back on my hands.